second favorite:

If you are a North Texas local, no doubt you have heard of The Tamale Company. I see Richard, his son Ricardo and their delicious tamales at our Farmers Market here in McKinney every weekend. I buy a couple dozen tamales for the freezer–chicken tomatillo and southwest black bean are my favorite! It is always so helpful to know I can have a delicious dinner ready in 5 minutes if needed with no fuss and almost no cleanup. And how incredible does the above picture look? Tamales for breakfast? Uh, yes.

third favorite:

Every October I invite my most favorite Witches over for brunch on a Saturday morning and we spend several hours eating, drinking wine and laughing hysterically. It is literally one of my favorite days of the entire year. You can read about last year’s (2014) here and 2015 here. If you don’t have your favorite Witches over for a little Halloween get together, you should! Opening your home to friends (or in this case Witches) doesn’t have to be daunting. It can be simple and lovely and a blessing for everyone. I never change the menu: Pumpkin Soup, Grown Up Grilled Cheese—which uses Sourdough, Havarti Cheese and Sadie’s Pesto and new dessert that brings me to my next favorite thing…

fourth favorite:

Suzy’s Pudding Shots

Okay, I know this sounds crazy but this year I decided to serve my friend Suzy’s pudding shots for dessert. Are you shocked?? Let me tell you they were an absolute hit! She can make any flavor you can imagine: Oreo, Mint Oreo, Cheesecake, S’mores, Banana Cream Pie, Orange Dreamsicle, Chocolate Covered Strawberry…She made Caramel Apple and Pumpkin for the Witch’s Brunch. Don’t think of them like you would a shot of tequila. Think of them as a delectable little dessert mousse that happens to be spiked. So fun! So unexpected! So doing this every year! For questions regarding these desserts from heaven, you can contact Suzy at suzannestergios@gmail.com.

fifth favorite:

James and golf

James received his first set of golf clubs on the day he was born, and I promise you he has been smitten with the sport ever since. He LOVES to play! On Saturday James’ godfather was teaching a golf clinic at the country club near our house, and James was ecstatic when Brian signed him up to attend.

Then on Sunday afternoon James got to play with Brian and Brian’s father. It was golf heaven for James. Because James is my serious child, it makes me feel so happy when he is happy. This was my top favorite!